Angelou’s family has decided to have a closed service for family and friends only, due to limited seating capacity, according to the school.

Members of the Winston-Salem community should expect heavy traffic along University Parkway, Reynolda Road and in the surrounding area on Saturday morning.

Wake Forest officials have not said who is expected to attend, but Oprah Winfrey told Entertainment Tonight she will be speaking at the service.

The award-winning author, renowned poet and civil rights activist died Wednesday in her Winston-Salem home. She was 86.

Angelou had been reportedly battling health problems. She recently canceled a scheduled appearance of a special event to be held in her honor.

Wake Forest University issued a statement on Wednesday:

“Dr. Angelou was a national treasure whose life and teachings inspired millions around the world, including countless students, faculty, and staff at Wake Forest, where she served as Reynolds Professor of American Studies since 1982. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Angelou’s family and friends during this difficult time.”

“Maya Angelou has been a towering figure — at Wake Forest and in American culture. She had a profound influence in civil rights and racial reconciliation. We will miss profoundly her lyrical voice and always keen insights,” Wake Forest University President Nathan O. Hatch said on Wednesday.

2 comments

paul

bobsbob

Come on Fox. She’s dead. There’s nothing that can be done to bring her back. And seeing the photo of her with OW proves to me she didn’t have as much character as folks thought she had. PLEASE report on something of value.